The Good Son: A Story from the First World War, Told in Miniature

This book is a treasure! A beautifully done picture book with a dramatic story. What a unique idea to use miniatures to create all the scenes, which tell the story so vividly! While the faces are pretty much expressionless, the story evokes an emotional response from the reader, and the pictures are almost haunting. Such care was taken to get the lighting just right, and the buildings and backgrounds! The actual 'written' story is concise and to the point, using few words, but it speaks volumes. It is the story young soldier who finds himself in a dilemna, as he was bringing comfort to his widowed mother with a secret Christmas visit, but faced dire consequences when he returns to his post. It brought tears to my eyes as I read it. I show more was a bit amazed at how the book was able to tell an enormous story with so few words actually used, and the emotional response / sadness it was able to evoke. The war stories that hit us hardest are the ones about the effects it has on the individual combatants and their families....it puts a face on the suffering war causes, and we can easily imagine it being our family members. show less

I received this hardcover book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program.

This is a picture book for children, but don't assume it's about rainbows and happy endings. It's not. This book is intense. It is honest. It is bleak. Without a drop of red, it depicts the horrible nature of war. This is a book that might really bother some kids (and parents), but I see this as a book to inspire some hard but necessary discussions.

Without even considering the content, the The Good Son is an artistic masterpiece. It is fully illustrated through the use of toy soldiers, elaborate sets, and brilliant use of perspective. The effect is stunning. The use of toy props doesn't cheapen the message in the slightest. On the contrary, the pages look show more eerily realistic at times. I think kids will really connect to the scenes because there ARE toys being used--which again, might be bothersome for some, but that is something to be worked through.

The text is minimal but effective. This book would be quick to read, but so much is happening in many scenes, I found myself lingering on each. The set up for the book is stark: a young French soldier named Pierre went AWOL for two days over Christmas to visit his mother, and upon his return, he is imprisoned and sentenced to death. He is to be made an example of to prevent further desertions. Pierre reflects on his time as a soldier and what he has learned about his German enemies as he awaits dawn and his execution. Again: this is not a book with a happy ending. That's the nature of life, and of war--especially the Great War.

Some people might argue that the very premise makes this a horrible book for kids. I strongly disagree. There's a great Madeleine L’Engle quote: “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” Children aren't oblivious. They see and experience a lot. Teaching them that war is glorious and that heroes can't be killed does not do them favors in the end. This book uses toy soldiers to get on the same level as kids, and respects their ability to understand what unfolds. show less

The photos of miniatures in this book are a work of art and enchanting. Combined with the simple text for a remarkable tale makes for a perfect book to share with both young and old. Very giftable to those who enjoy war stories, beautiful childrens books, or photography. The book is printed and bound more finely than I've seen in some time... nice thick paper that captures the richness of color in the photographs. I hope there will be more from this author soon.

This is an unusual book and something of an artpiece. It is the story of a French soldier in the first world war in 1914 who made the mistake of going home for Christmas. The story is very short and simple but it packs quite a punch. This is primarily told through photographs taken of miniature soldiers and others, and the creation of the miniature scenes and the way they were photographed is the true highlight of this book. After the story there are some pages illustrating and explaining part of the process. This is a book I will return to.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review from the Librarything early reviewers program.

I don't know how I got this book! I didn't request it, but I'm so glad that it was sent to me. I've always been enthralled with WWI...any history of course. But the particular history that draws me is that of the particular- the person- the everyday life. And this book is about the soldier as opposed to the broad view of wars as political events or even historical movements. Wars are fought by "little soldiers", as this book says. History is the story of little people going about their little lives.
I believe we have lost that truth in our study of history and we see the effects of that in our lives.
....
A precious work of art both in words and in the visual.

The storyline of this book so simple and short that I feel like I can’t talk about it without giving the whole plot away, yet despite being such a barebones and brief story it packs a substantial emotional punch. It gets across the idea that war is terrible (whether on the “winning” or “losing” side), that the “rules” of war don’t make sense, and that the emotions involved are always conflicting.

The miniature scenes are thoughtfully staged with the characters set up in active poses against intricately detailed backgrounds. The book really is a piece of art. There’s a quick “making of” section at the end of the book that made it all the more impressive to me as I hadn’t realized how TINY the miniatures were!

I show more think this would be a good book for any adults interested in military art or storytelling, and would be a good book for beginning to introduce the idea of what WWI was like to younger readers.

Please note that I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. show less

An early review copy I will cherish. Lovely illustrations combined with easy text to tell the story of the effects of war, in this story World War I.

It is Christmas and Pierre, a young French soldier longs for home, for his mother and a visit that will warm his heart against the cold, cold fields of death.

Pierre is tired and slips away, wanting only a few days with his family. Alas, he returns, and it doing so he is imprisoned and doomed for execution.

This is an incredible book. Beautiful, unique miniature medal like soldiers illustrate the tale of war and the loneliness of longing for stability and home.

Five Stars